Welcome to Episode 210 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we highlight two programs helping Iowa's next generation step into farming with confidence: the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers Building Your Livestock Legacy program and Iowa Farm Bureau's Take Root program.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Learn more about the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers Building Your Livestock Legacy program. 
• Register for a Take Root farm succession workshop near you.
• Hear more from Wyoming farmer and author Ron Rabou.
• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Acres of Opportunity Conference, February 21 in Spencer, Iowa.

Welcome to Episode 209 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we sit down with farmer and ag celebrity Rob Sharkey (aka The SharkFarmer). Later in the episode, Seth Appelgate of Farm Credit Services of America shares personal budgeting tips for farmers.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Check out the SharkFarmer Podcast.
• Register for the Ag Market Outlook Meeting near you.
• Register for a Take Root farm succession workshop near you.
• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Acres of Opportunity Conference, February 21 in Spencer.

Welcome to Episode 200 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we share expert tips for strengthening the communication between farmers and their landlords. Erin Herbold-Swalwell, a Farm Bureau attorney with extensive experience in farm succession and landowner relations, and Catherine DeLong, an ISU Extension professional who specializes in helping farmers and landowners discuss conservation investments, share their advice with farmers.  

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting.
• Visit ISU's Ag Decision Maker website.
• Iowa Farm Bureau's Take Root farm succession program
• Learn more about Iowa State University Extension's Landowner Education Program.

Welcome to Episode 110 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, you'll meet Dr. Jason Ross – the new chair of Iowa State University's Department of Animal Science (part of ISU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences). You'll also hear about the games and prizes that await you at Farm Bureau Park during this year's Iowa State Fair.

Resource mentioned in this episode:

• Fairgoer attractions at Farm Bureau Park, during the 2022 Iowa State Fair

Welcome to Episode 109 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, American Farm Bureau economist Shelby Myers analyzes the overall farm economy, and Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson talks about what's being done to address the astonishing increase in fertilizer prices.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Farm Bureau members can save on travel (with prices guaranteed to beat public booking sites like Expedia and Priceline) using Travel Sherlock.

Welcome to Episode 108 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we speak with Mike Telford, Executive Director of the Iowa Farm Animal Care Coalition (IFAC). IFAC is a first-of-its-kind network of professionals, veterinarians, animal behavior scientists, and farmers committed to answering Iowans' farm animal care questions and providing livestock farmers with the assistance they need. 

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Call the Iowa Farm Animal Care Coalition at 1-800-252-0577 or visit their website.
• See advice for preparing for potential summer power outages

Welcome to Episode 107 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa State University soil science expert Dr. Michael Castellano shares details about an effort to optimize and localize Iowa's fertilizer application recommendations. And environmental scientist Shawn Richmond discusses how optimal fertilizer applications complement farmers' other efforts to grow the crops we need while protecting water quality. To learn more about farmers' conservation and water quality protection efforts, visit ConservationCountsIowa.com. 

Welcome to Episode 106 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig talks about the benefits of Iowa's new biofuels standard, which Governor Kim Reynolds recently signed into law. Later in the episode, Ben Gleason (the new executive director of the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council) talks about efforts to quantify Iowa's conservation progress. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Details on Iowa's new biofuels standard
• Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council

Welcome to Episode 105 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we'll introduce you to some unique opportunities to connect with your farm and agribusiness peers, via tours and other hands-on learning events offered by Farm Bureau. 

This episode also includes an interview with Special Agent Justin King (Drug Enforcement Administration) about a dangerous trend that's sweeping through Midwest communities, involving fake prescription pills.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour
• Iowa Farm Bureau's USDA Crop Report Trip
• Iowa Farm Bureau's Take Root farm succession workshops
• Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Program (website)
• Facebook groups for local (district) Farm Bureau young farmer groups
• Apply for Iowa Farm Bureau's Grow Your Future Award
• Contact your county Farm Bureau
• See all of Iowa Farm Bureau's upcoming events

It's no big deal. I don't have time. Someone else needs help more than me.

Are you creating excuses to not seek out mental health or wellness services?

The Farm Family Wellness Alliance offers farm families free and confidential mental health and wellness services, from skilled professionals who understand the unique challenges of farm life.

In Episode 104 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, we talk with Amie Merz (an account manager and clinician with Personal Assistance Services) and Monica McConkey (a farm and ranch counselor) about those services for farm families and why folks should set aside their reservations about reaching out for help.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Check out the mental health and wellness services available through the Farm Family Wellness Alliance at https://farmfamilywellness.com/. You can also call 833-999-FARM or text 314-451-5727.
• Register for one of Iowa Farm Bureau's upcoming Take Root farm succession planning workshops.
• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's upcoming Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour.

Welcome to Episode 103 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which features three guests. Central Iowa farm couple Eric and Deb Finch explain how they got into the meat goat business (almost by accident) nearly 20 years ago, and they share their advice for other farmers who are exploring that niche market. And Adam Koppes of Iowa Farm Bureau's Renew Rural Iowa program shares the unique services that Farm Bureau offers rural entrepreneurs, including educational seminars, mentoring, promotion, and financial resources.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Register for Renew Rural Iowa's Journey to Your Vision seminar, held June 10 in Dyersville.
• RenewRuralIowa.com
• Learn about the Ag Startup Engine.

Welcome to Episode 102 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, longtime water quality expert Shawn Richmond (who has 25 years of experience across academia, government, and the private sector) shares the results of Iowa farmers' conservation efforts (past and present). And motivational speaker Matt Booth shares his advice for effective goal setting. 

Welcome to Episode 101 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. Spring is a time for new farm projects and taking stock of things. The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers helps livestock farmers enhance neighbor relations, site new livestock facilities, implement best management practices (like planting trees and windbreaks), and interpret more than 250 pages of rules and regulations. In this episode, Brian Waddingham (Executive Director of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers) discusses some of the ways that farmers can enhance their neighbor relations, and he gives livestock farmers some tips for preparing for a potential EPA or DNR inspection.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Call the Coalition at 800-932-2436.
• Visit the Coalition online at SupportFarmers.com.
• Tips for preparing for an EPA inspection.

Welcome to Episode 199 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we reflect on the 40th anniversary of ANF (America Needs Farmers) at the University of Iowa, with stories from Iowa Hawkeye football legends Hayden Fry, Chuck Long, Chad Greenway, Marshal Yanda, Aaron Kampman, Bryan Bulaga, Bruce Nelson and Micah Hyde.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Visit AmericaNeedsFarmers.org for ANF Game Day details, our "40 Reasons Why America Needs Farmers" video series featuring Iowa Nice Guy Scott Siepker, videos with farmers and Iowa Hawkeye legends, opportunities to purchase ANF apparel and support Iowa's food banks, and more.  

Welcome to Episode 100 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Dr. Dennis Todey (Director of the USDA's Midwest Climate Hub) provides a planting/growing season forecast. And Brent Johnson joins us to discuss his first four months as Iowa Farm Bureau president, along with a couple of topics that he knows well: precision agriculture technology and conservation.

Welcome to Episode 99 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Janis Hochstetler (a food safety and labeling coordinator for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Meat and Poultry Inspection Bureau) shares the first steps livestock farmers should take if they're interested in marketing directly to consumers. Then you'll hear from two young ag entrepreneurs who launched their own successful direct-to-consumer ventures: Ray Schmidt of Farm Story Meats and Lillie Beringer of Beringer Family Farms Beef.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Contact information for Janis Hochstetler of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Meat and Poultry Inspection Bureau.
• FarmStoryMeats.com
• Beringer Family Farms Beef

Welcome to Episode 98 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Cedar County row-crop farmer Noah Coppess shares his tips for building strong relationships with landowners. And Brian Waddingham (Executive Director of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers) shares some tangible reasons for livestock farmers to plant trees, along with trends he's seeing in Iowa's livestock industry.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Contact the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers
• Learn about Iowa Farm Bureau's Acres of Opportunity Conference

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Acres of Opportunity Conference

• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Acres of Opportunity conference.

Welcome to Episode 95 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we talk with American Farm Bureau economist Shelby Myers about private sector carbon credit markets. We also speak with USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley about the outlook for international ag trade.

Resource mentioned in this episode:

• American Farm Bureau's Market Intel page

Welcome to Episode 94 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau State Policy Advisor Kevin Kuhle discusses Farm Bureau's priorities for the 2022 Iowa Legislative Session. And Andrew McCrea shares his tips for revitalizing your rural community. McCrea is an Oscar-winning broadcaster, author, farmer and community leader who has studied successful small towns across America.

Welcome to Episode 93 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we introduce you to the new president of Iowa Farm Bureau: Brent Johnson of Calhoun County. We also welcome on Sam Kieffer (Vice President of Public Affairs for the American Farm Bureau) to talk about some of Farm Bureau's national policy priorities in 2022.

Welcome to Episode 92 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Greg Peterson (better known as Machinery Pete) discusses the wild market for used farm equipment, and Dr. Wendong Zhang (an economist at Iowa State University) shares his read on the current trade relationship between the U.S. and China.

Resource mentioned in this episode

• MachineryPete.com

Welcome to Episode 91 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 3 of our special 3-part podcast series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau's 2021 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Michael McEnany of Story County, Megan Kregel of Clayton County, and Cordt Holub of Tama County.  

Part 1 (released December 6) features Michael McEnany.

Part 2 (released December 7) features Megan Kregel.

Part 3 (released December 8) features Cordt Holub.

Welcome to Episode 198 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, American Farm Bureau economist Faith Parum analyzes USDA's most recent forecast of net farm income, and we introduce you to the new chair of Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Advisory Committee, Michael McEnany. 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Read and subscribe to American Farm Bureau's Market Intel updates.
• Use Iowa Farm Bureau's Cash Bid Search tool to find the best grain prices near you.
• Learn more about Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Program.
• Contact your county Farm Bureau.

Welcome to Episode 90 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 2 of our special 3-part podcast series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau's 2021 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Michael McEnany of Story County, Megan Kregel of Clayton County, and Cordt Holub of Tama County.  

Part 1 (released December 6) features Michael McEnany.

Part 2 (released December 7) features Megan Kregel.

Part 3 (to be released December 8) features Cordt Holub.

Welcome to Episode 89 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 1 of our special 3-part podcast series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau's 2021 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Michael McEnany of Story County, Megan Kregel of Clayton County, and Cordt Holub of Tama County.  

Part 1 (released December 6) features Michael McEnany.

Part 2 (to be released December 7) features Megan Kregel.

Part 3 (to be released December 8) features Cordt Holub.

Welcome to Episode 88 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Dr. Wendong Zhang (an Iowa State University economics professor) shares the factors driving rising farmland practices in Iowa, Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill reflects on Farm Bureau's work (as Hill wraps up his final term as president), and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig introduces a new grant program for farmers who are looking to diversify the ag products they grow and how they sell those products.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• ISU Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) - ISU Land Value Survey will be released on December 14
• https://bit.ly/landvalue2021 - for farm managers, ag lenders, appraisers, brokers, and others who are knowledgeable about local land markets to participate in ISU's land value survey
• Choose Iowa Marketing and Promotion Grant Program - December 15 application deadline

Welcome to Episode 87 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This episode digs into agriculture's current supply chain disruptions, with Iowa State economist Dr. Bobby Martens (an expert in supply chain management). The episode also features an interview with Ed Kordick (Iowa Farm Bureau's Farmer Education Program Manager) about a new series of webinars to help farmers elevate their grain marketing abilities.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's "Third Thursday: 2021-22 Crop Marketing Series"
• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting

Welcome to Episode 86 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This episode features tips for managing your farm's income taxes in 2021, from Kristine Tidgren (Director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University). It also includes a conversation with Dustin Petty of BASE, about a service that helps farmers manage their health care expenses in a way that helps them save on their taxes.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's free Farm Income Tax Webinar (on November 4):  https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Article/2021-Iowa-Farm-Income-Tax-Webinar
• Learn more through the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University: https://www.calt.iastate.edu/
• Learn more about BASE and its services for Iowa Farm Bureau members:  https://www.baseonline.com/landing/iafarmbureau.asp

Welcome to Episode 85 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This episode features a peek inside Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with Dr. Daniel Robison (dean of the college).

Resource mentioned in this episode:

• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's 2021 Iowa Farm Income Tax Webinar

Welcome to Episode 84 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast.

This episode includes some advice for a safe harvest and a discussion with 2021 America Needs Farmers Wall of Honor inductee Marshal Yanda (a former Iowa Hawkeye star, NFL All-Pro and Super Bowl champion) about his upbringing on an Anamosa, Iowa dairy farm.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• ANF Game Day details
• The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety

Welcome to Episode 83 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Greg Hanes (CEO of the Cattlemen's Beef Board) talks about the history of the Beef Checkoff (which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year) and what's around the corner. And the newly-elected chair of Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Advisory Committee (Randy Francois) shares the challenges and opportunities he sees for Iowa's up-and-coming farmers. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Program
• ANF Game Day On-Field Experience contest

Welcome to Episode 82 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast.

In this episode, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture Kip Tom and U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action CEO Erin Fitzgerald discuss how they're sharing U.S. agriculture's story internationally (particularly the importance ag technology and livestock). Specifically, Tom and Fitzgerald talk about their work leading up to the inaugural UN Food Systems Summit (which will be held virtually, in late September 2021).

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Learn more about the UN Food Systems Summit
• Learn more about the work of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action
• Watch USFRA's "30 Harvests" video
• See the results of the Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index® 

Welcome to Episode 81 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall shares updates on some of the most important national policy issues facing farmers right now: possible environmental regulations, possible estate tax changes, and efforts to improve cattle market transparency. (President Duvall's interview took place on August 18, 2021.)

We also talk with Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill about a new series of videos that's designed to improve consumers' understanding of farming's sustainability and animal care.

Resource mentioned in this episode:

• New Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat. video series

Welcome to Episode 197 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we explore a grain bagging system that could be a solution for some farmers facing logistical challenges or inadequate grain storage. We also sit down with Iowa's 2025 Conservation Farmer of the Year. 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Learn more about grain bagging systems from Dammann Farms.
• Visit ConservationCountsIowa.com.
• Catch up on past episodes of The Spokesman Speaks podcast this harvest season.  

Welcome to Episode 80 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we reflect on Iowa's derecho recovery (including a unique program to help livestock farmers who were impacted by the storm) with Brian Waddingham of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers. We also chat with the newly-announced winners of Iowa's Conservation Farmer of the Year award; Ken Fawcett and his nephew Kent Stuart, who farm near West Branch.

Welcome to Episode 79 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode Iowa Farm Bureau Conservation and Natural Resources Policy Advisor Rick Robinson discusses the water quality progress that you might not be seeing or hearing in recent news coverage. And Shane Wulf (Edge of Field Coordinator for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship) shares the assistance that's available to help farmers implement edge-of-field conservation practices (like bioreactors and saturated buffers) on their farms.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• CleanWaterIowa.org
• Webinar | Utility-Scale Solar Energy Contracts: What You Need to Know
• Webinar | 2021 Transportation Rules for Farmers

Welcome to Episode 78 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we dig into the crucial issue of cattle market transparency. We also receive a status update on the Shell Rock Soy Processing plant in northern Iowa – a project that combines rural economic development with the latest advancements in renewable energy technology and valued-added agriculture.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Virtual Roundtable | Carbon Credit Markets: What Farmers Need to Know
• Webinar | New Services for Managing Farm Stress

Welcome to Episode 77 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Representative Chad Ingels discusses a recently-signed state bill that provides support for new and existing meat lockers, as well as the workforce needed to make those lockers successful. Also, Dr. Kathryn Polking (the Bureau Chief for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Meat and Poultry Inspection Bureau) joins us to discuss the requirements for Iowans who want to open a locker or participate in other local meat processing opportunities.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Iowa Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Bureau
• Webinar: Market Implications of the July WASDE Report
• Carbon Credit Markets: What Farmers Need to Know | Virtual Roundtable
• Webinar: New Services for Managing Farm Stress

Welcome to Episode 76 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, you'll hear some basics about private-sector sustainability markets for farmers, from Iowa Farm Bureau senior economist Dr. Sam Funk and American Farm Bureau economist Shelby Myers. This episode will prepare you for an even deeper dive into these markets, during Iowa Farm Bureau's virtual roundtable on July 14, titled "Carbon Credit Markets: What Farmers Need to Know."

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Register to attend Iowa Farm Bureau's "Carbon Credit Markets: What Farmers Need to Know" virtual roundtable on July 14.
• Apply for Iowa Farm Bureau's Grow Your Future Award.

Welcome to Episode 75 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This episode features two key players in a new, collaborative water quality "blitz" project that's adding 51 saturated buffers and bioreactors to the central Iowa landscape over the next year: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Hardin County farmer (and Farm Bureau leader) Jacob Handsaker, who also runs the excavating company that's constructing these conservation practices.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Read more about central Iowa's water quality "blitz" project
• Learn more about Iowa's various water quality protection initiatives at ConservationCountsIowa.com.
• Stay tuned for Iowa Farm Bureau's upcoming "Carbon Credit Markets: What Farmers Need to Know" virtual roundtable. The roundtable will take place on July 14, and more details will be released here soon.
• Register for the Innovative Livestock Price Risk Management Webinar Series.

Welcome to Episode 74 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This special episode features a one-on-one conversation with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (on May 24, 2021), regarding harmful estate tax proposals, proposed carbon/climate change policies, and an outlook for biofuels.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Iowa Farm Bureau will host a virtual roundtable for farmers who are interested in private sector carbon/climate programs and the potential for farmers to earn credit for their carbon sequestration practices, on July 14. Watch IowaFarmBureau.com/ Events for more details on that virtual learning opportunity in the coming days.

Welcome to Episode 73 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast.

In this episode, we introduce the Iowa Farm Family Wellness Alliance, a new first-in-the-nation service (created by Farm Foundation and Iowa State Extension) that provides Iowa's farm families with free, ongoing wellness coaching and counseling, from experts. Shari Rogge-Fidler (President and CEO of Farm Foundation) joins us to discuss the alliance and how it is designed to serve the unique needs of farm families.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Visit FarmFamilyWellness.com call (833)999-FARM
• Watch for a webinar on the Iowa Farm Family Wellness Alliance, later this summer: IowaFarmBureau.com/Events
• Additional farm stress resources available at IowaFarmBureau.com/FarmStress

Welcome to Episode 72 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast.

In this episode, we introduce you to ChopLocal – an online marketplace for farmers and butcherers that has dubbed itself "the Etsy of meat." Hear how ChopLocal co-founders Jared Achen and Katie Olthoff started their business in response to COVID-19 disruptions and an ongoing farm-to-table renaissance. 

We also chat with Demi Johnson, a behavioral health program coordinator for Iowa State Extension, about ways to identify and appropriately react to signs of worrisome stress in our friends and family members.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Visit ChopLocal.com
• Mental Health First Aid class through ISU Extension
• Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR) through ISU Extension
• More mental health and wellbeing resources through ISU Extension
• Contact Demi Johnson of ISU Extension at (515)344-4907 or demij@iastate.edu
• More farm stress resources available at IowaFarmBureau.com/FarmStress 

Welcome to Episode 71 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Elyssa McFarland of the Soil Health Partnership offers tips for improving your soil's health – to benefit the environment and your farm's bottom line. And Barb Ristau of the Iowa Farmers Market Association shares the unique value that Iowa's farmers markets contribute to their local communities.

Resource mentioned in this episode:

• Nominate your worthy neighbor for Iowa's 2021 Conservation Farmer of the Year Award by May 1.

Welcome to Episode 196 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau's in-house ag economics experts (Zach Brummer and Dr. Christopher Pudenz) share their analysis of crop and livestock markets heading into harvest season. 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• View recorded educational webinars for farmers and watch for more upcoming events and webinars, including Iowa Farm Bureau's winter Ag Market Outlook Meeting Series, featuring Farmer Education Program Manager Zach Brummer and economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz.
• Use Iowa Farm Bureau's Cash Bid Search Tool to find the best bids for corn and soybeans near you.
• Visit AmericaNeedsFarmers.org to learn more about 2025 ANF Wall of Honor inductee Micah Hyde, the 2025 ANF Game Day On-Field Experience, and the 40 Reasons Why America Needs Farmers video series featuring "Iowa Nice Guy" Scott Siepker.

Welcome to Episode 70 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast.

In this episode, Shawn Richmond of the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) reports the latest data on Iowa farmers' efforts to conserve soil and protect water quality. And American Farm Bureau economists Dr. John Newton and Shelby Myers share how farmers are reducing greenhouse gas emissions (as well as the potential economic incentives).

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• INREC's latest report on agriculture's water quality protection progress
• com
• American Farm Bureau's Market Intel articles
• Successful grazing and pasture management webinar (April 9)
• Introduction to high tunnel and produce production webinar (April 13)

Welcome to Episode 69 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Dennis Todey (the director of USDA's Midwest Climate Hub) offers his forecast for the 2021 growing season. And Mike Steenhoek (executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition) shares some innovative solutions that could save your county hundreds of thousands of dollars on rural bridge repairs and replacements.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• A 2021 growing season forecast webinar with Dr. Dennis Todey (exclusively for Iowa Farm Bureau members)
• Dennis Todey's contact information and Twitter account.
• Report: Top 20 Innovations for Rural Bridge Replacement and Repair – for more information, contact Mike Steenhoek at the Soy Transportation Coalition.

Welcome to Episode 68 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast.

In this episode, renowned ag economist Dr. Jayson Lusk provides new insights into opportunities to market real meat as a sustainable product and examines the perceptions around plant-based imitation meat. And Mike Telford (executive director of the Iowa Farm Animal Care Coalition) discusses a productive way for Iowa consumers to share their questions and concerns about farm animal care.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Nominate a worthy neighbor for Iowa's 2021 Conservation Farmer of the Year Award.
• Register for a free 2021 growing season forecast webinar with USDA Midwest Climate Hub Director Dennis Todey.